Tag Archives: RV

Best RV Stops: Family-Friendly Children’s Museums Across the U.S.

05 Wednesday Mar 2025

Posted by in Kids and Camping, Travel Destinations

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When our son was younger, we would make a point of visiting children’s museums wherever we went. Now that our daughter is old enough to appreciate these museums, they are making their way back into our travel plans.

In this article, we will discuss the best children’s museums we’ve seen so far. Choose one from this list when planning your travels, and you really can’t go wrong!

The Magic House

St. Louis, MO

St. Louis is home to a number of great attractions. There is a free zoo that is amazing, as well as a free science center, a history museum, and an art museum. The city is also home to the incredible City Museum, which should be on every traveler’s must-see list. Another favorite St. Louis spot of ours? The Magic House.

I have fond memories of visiting the Magic House when I was little, and was pleasantly surprised to find that the museum met my expectations all these years later. The place plays host to climbing structures, sand- and water-play areas, an outdoor play area, and the crown jewel: a kid-sized city where kids can try out different occupations for a while.

Houston Children’s Museum

Houston, TX

Houston is another city with lots of wonderful museums to choose from. The Health Museum is fantastic, as is the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Of course, you definitely don’t want to miss the Houston Space Center, nor do you want to skip the amazing Houston Children’s Museum.

The latter museum features one of the bigger kid cities I’ve seen, and the city is complete with currency, meaning kids can get “jobs” and earn “money” to go spend at the businesses in the tiny town. Other cool things in this museum include a huge outdoor play area, an awesome indoor climbing structure, and a super fun maker space where kids can create new inventions.

Children of Gettysburg

Gettysburg, PA

One of the more unique children’s museums we’ve seen, Children of Gettysburg is small, but it has a very specific purpose, and it does its job well. The purpose? To present the story of Gettysburg in a way that kids can understand and appreciate.

The museum follows a set of children from various backgrounds through the events of the Battle of Gettysburg. Everything is explained in a way that kids can connect with and digest, and there are plenty of hands-on activities to engage young visitors and help them dive into the world of the 19th-century children they are learning about.

My kids especially loved the last room where they could care for an “injured soldier” and make a speech as President Lincoln.

Bay Area Children’s Museum

San Francisco, CA

Bay Area Children’s Museum may be a lesser-known children’s museum, but we thought it was absolutely magical. In fact, we loved this museum so much that we returned for a second round of fun a couple of years after the first.

The museum is set up in several different buildings, which I appreciated, as it helped my busy little guy focus on the thing he was doing rather than being distracted by all of the other exhibits. There was a lovely outdoor space between the buildings with the coolest “natural” play area. We really loved the art room at this museum and probably could have stayed there all day long.

How to Save on Children’s Museum Visits

One of the things I don’t love about children’s museums is how expensive they can be. Fortunately, we have found some ways around that:

  • Many children’s museums offer free or cheap days each week or once a month. Look for these days and try to plan your travels around them if you can.
  • Additionally, some museums will offer coupons or Groupons. Search for these before paying full price; you never know what you might find.
  • Lastly, a lot of children’s museums are part of reciprocal museum programs. ASTC is a science museum reciprocal program that offers members free admission to all member museums. ACM is a children’s museum reciprocal program that offers cardholders half-off admission to the museums in their program. Both include plenty of children’s museums all across the country.

As you can see, there are lots of amazing children’s museums scattered across the country, and really, these are just a handful of them. Hopefully, this article inspires you to check out a few of these super fun spots for yourself!

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

RV Air Conditioning Troubleshooting Tips

12 Wednesday Jun 2024

Posted by in RV Information, RV Newbie, RV Safety, Tech Tips, Tips & Tricks

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Your RV air conditioner is crucial for camping in comfort during the summer months. Unfortunately, these units need repairs once in a while. If your RV AC is giving you problems, try the troubleshooting tips below to get it back up and running.

Lack of Power

If you don’t have any power at all to the AC, there are a couple of simple things you should try before you panic.

Plug-In

First, check your RV plug. Make sure it is plugged all the way into the outlet and there is no damage to the cable going into the RV.

Flip the Breaker

You’ll also want to check the breakers both at the power pole and in the RV breaker box. If a breaker is flipped, switch it back.

Warm Air

Having issues with warm air coming from your RV AC? Here are a couple of things to look at as you try to narrow down the issue.

Check the Capacitors

A capacitor could very well be the culprit. Make sure you discharge your capacitors completely using a discharge tool before testing each one with a multimeter. A bad capacitor is something you can probably replace on your own.

Check the Compressor

It’s also possible for a compressor to cause this issue. Test your compressor with the multimeter. If it is your problem, you’ll want to replace the entire AC unit rather than attempting to replace the part.

Weak Airflow

Warm air is bad, but so is weak airflow. Here’s what you need to test if you don’t have enough air coming from your RV air conditioner.

Look for Freezing

A frozen RV AC will put out very little air. To fix, turn the air conditioner to fan-only mode and run it on high until the ice in the unit melts. If the air conditioner continues to freeze up, you may need to clean the coils and filter.

Look for Clogs

Another problem to look for? Clogged coils or a super dirty air filter. Clean both and then test the unit to see if the airflow gets stronger.

Cover Cracks and Holes

Use a flashlight to take a peek at your ductwork. See a place where air could be escaping? Cover it with metal tape and/or styrofoam to see if that improves things.

Check the Fan

Obviously, it could be that the fan is having issues. Try cleaning and oiling the fan. If this doesn’t work, it might be time for a fan motor replacement.

Excessive Cycling

If your compressor is cycling on and off often, you’re probably dealing with a unit that doesn’t cool properly. Here are some steps to take.

Check the Capacitors

The capacitors will need to be tested in this case as well. Just make sure you discharge them first. If you find that one is bad, replace it.

Look for Ice

Once again, freezing could be the problem. If you find ice in your AC, use the tips above to defrost it and then clean everything to ensure the problem doesn’t return.

Have Parts Professionally Tested

Unfortunately, the other likely surprises are a bad thermostat or a bad control board. It’s best to call a pro in to fix these things.

Dripping Water

Sometimes water will drip from an RV air conditioner. This is never a good thing, but can have a few different causes.

Clean the Drain Pan

A clogged drain pan doesn’t allow water to run where it is supposed to. Instead, it will sometimes run into your rig. Fix this by cleaning the pan and removing the clogs.

Clean the Coils

A unit that freezes up will send bits of water to the floor as the frozen coils thaw out. Clean the coils and filter to try to prevent freezing.

Tighten Things Up

If your AC mounting bolts are loose, they will not hold the gasket snugly in place. This will allow rainwater to find its way under the gasket and into the RV. Tighten the bolts to fix the issue.

Smelly Air Conditioner

RV air conditioners can develop a cave-like smell if the coils or filter become too dirty. Wash both of these things to get rid of any musty smells that may be bothering you while running the AC.

Weird Noises

Pretty much every RV air conditioner out there is going to make some noise. That said, if your AC starts making a new weird noise, you will want to investigate.

Check the Fan

First, check to see if anything is in the way of the fan. Clean the fan and add a bit of oil. If this doesn’t fix your problem and you’re certain the fan is making the noise, you’re probably looking at replacing the fan entirely.

Get Rid of Vibrations

Vibrations on the roof will definitely cause some strange noises inside your RV. Make sure the AC shroud is bolted down tight so it can’t vibrate on the rooftop.

Test the Compressor and Capacitors

While the fan is usually the culprit when it comes to weird AC noises, the compressor or capacitors can make sounds if they are going out. Test both to make sure they aren’t your problem, making sure to discharge the capacitors beforehand.

There you have it, everything you need to know about RV air conditioner troubleshooting. Now you can solve your AC problems and camp in comfort all summer long!

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About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

James L. ~ “Outstanding. Agents make or break the company. They definitely made it with me!!! OUTSTANDING service. Precise answers. Coach-Net turned a stressful situation into a non-stressful learning experience.”

5 Tips For Finding Affordable RV Campgrounds

12 Wednesday Jun 2024

Posted by in RV Information

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The cost of everything—from rent to groceries and beyond—seems to have skyrocketed, and the price of camping has gone up right along with those things. This is a major bummer for those of us who prefer to pick affordable RV campgrounds to keep travel costs low.

The good news? While they are few and far between these days, it is still possible to find affordable RV campgrounds. Here are my tips for doing just that.

Look Into Memberships and Passes

First, I highly recommend looking into the many different camping memberships and passes out there. Some allow you to camp in various places with no additional fees. Others provide a steep discount on camping spots. Some are state- or region-specific, and some cover the entire country.

Depending on your camping style and how often you can get out, camping passes can be an excellent investment.

Some of my favorite camping passes include:

  • Thousand Trails — We personally have a big expensive membership due to our full-timing lifestyle, but even just the zone camping pass can be extremely helpful if you camp often in a particular region.
  • Passport America — This is a cheap membership that gets you deep, deep discounts on certain campgrounds.
  • Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts — Both of these are inexpensive memberships that give you access to campsites on privately owned land. Some have hookups, some don’t, but all provide unique experiences.
  • State Park Passes — We’ve had a few different state park passes over the years. Many of these come with a camping discount of some sort. The best one is probably the New Mexico State Park Pass.

Get Set Up for Dry Camping

Dry camping can save a ton of money. Many boondocking spots across the country are totally free (you can find them on Campendium), but there are also dry camping campgrounds that provide some amenities while remaining super cheap.

The thing is, you will want to be set up for dry camping before you dive into it. Having a generator and/or solar panel setup is crucial, and things like water bladders and “blue boys” are incredibly helpful.

Stay Longer

Many private RV parks charge less per night for long-term stays. If you are full-time or on an extended trip and need affordable RV campgrounds to make your travel affordable, try staying in one spot for a month or more and taking advantage of monthly rates.

Try Workamping

Another thing you can do if you’re full-time or are out camping for a while? Seek out working opportunities! Most “workamping” positions include a campsite, and most offer some sort of pay as well, so you can actually get paid to camp!

Search for Government-Run Parks

Depending on where you are, government-run parks are often less expensive than privately owned parks. Instead of RV resorts or parks run by big companies, look for the following:

  • State Parks
  • City Parks
  • County Parks
  • Forest Service Campgrounds
  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Campgrounds
  • Army Corps of Engineers (COE) Campgrounds

State park camping fees vary wildly from one state to the next, but are often very affordable. Likewise, county and city park camping fees range from totally free to $75+ per night. Forest Service, BLM, and Army COE parks are almost always super affordable RV campgrounds, and some are even completely free, but you might have to sacrifice some amenities in exchange for that low price.

To find affordable RV campgrounds run by these government agencies, try using the search features on Campendium or RV Life Campgrounds—both are useful tools that make it easy to search for campsites you can afford.

There you have it, five ways to find affordable RV campgrounds. Try putting some of these suggestions to use this summer to see how much you can save!

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

From time-to-time, we have guest bloggers post on our site. The views, opinions and positions expressed within these guest posts are those of the authors. 

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Should You Rent Out Your RV?

12 Wednesday Jun 2024

Posted by in RV Information, RV Newbie, Tips & Tricks, We Love It. We Live It.

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Many RV owners simply cannot take their RVs out as much as they would like. Family and work commitments make it impossible to head out every weekend, and weekdays are generally completely out of the question. 

Some RV owners don’t like seeing their rig sitting unused week after week, so they rent their RVs out to others. This is a great option for some, but it definitely isn’t for everybody.  

Should you rent out your RV? Only you can answer this question. Here are some pros and cons for you to consider so you can make that call properly. 

The Pros of Renting Out Your RV 

First, let’s take a look at some of the benefits that come along with renting out your RV.  

Make Some Extra Money 

The most obvious pro and the main reason many RV owners are choosing the RV rental route? The money, of course. While most people who rent out their RVs report making only enough to cover the costs of RV ownership, some make enough to make renting RVs their full-time job.  

This will all depend on your area, the type of RV you have, and the amount of time you’re willing to spend renting it. Really, though, even just covering the costs of maintenance, storage, insurance, and the RV payment should be enough to make renting your RV worthwhile.  

Share Your Love of RVing 

Another major benefit of renting your RV out is that it gives you an opportunity to share your love of RVing with others. Many people who rent are heading out on their first-ever RV trip, and as the RV owner, you get to be a part of making their experience a great one. 

Have a customer who has already been on multiple RV trips? In this case, you can talk RVing with another enthusiast and share tips and tricks.  

Stay on Top of RV Maintenance 

A lesser-known pro of renting your RV out is that it encourages you to stay on top of RV maintenance. Cleaning, resealing, and repairing your RV are certainly not the most glamorous parts of RV life, but they are necessary. If you rent your RV out, you will have more reason to make sure these necessary tasks get done so your RV lasts for years to come.  

The Cons of Renting Out Your RV 

What about the drawbacks of renting your RV out to others? There are a few of those, too, and they should be considered.  

Wear and Tear 

When you rent your RV out when you aren’t using it yourself, it is used much more than it might have been otherwise. This means more wear and tear on everything in and on the RV. Your tires will need to be replaced sooner, your furniture will likely become worn more quickly, and the appliances might need repairing earlier than they would have otherwise. 

You have to decide if the money you make from renting out your RV is enough to cover this extra wear and tear.  

Time Commitment 

While you won’t be heading out for a full camping weekend whenever your customers are, renting your RV out is still a time commitment. You have to be available for pick-up and drop-off, as well as the walkthroughs accompanying those. You must also make time to clean the RV and perform necessary repairs between rentals. 

Before you jump in, make sure you actually have enough time to rent out your RV and everything that goes with it.  

Potential for Damage 

Last but not least, we do have to mention the possibility that your RV could be damaged while out on a rental trip. Yes, most renters tend to be very respectful, but accidents happen, and sometimes these accidents can result in a damaged RV.  

Rent through a reputable platform such as Outdoorsy to ensure you have good episodic insurance coverage in case any accidental interior or exterior damage happens while your RV is on the road. Requiring that your renters purchase Coach-Net roadside assistance (a perk that’s automatically added to all Outdoorsy bookings) can also bring you peace of mind and help in situations where renters need extra assistance.  

There you have it, the top pros and cons of renting your RV out to others. Should you rent out your RV? Consider the benefits and drawbacks listed above and then decide for yourself.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

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The 4 Best Florida State Parks

08 Wednesday May 2024

Posted by in National Parks, The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations, We Love It. We Live It.

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One of my favorite things to do while traveling in my RV is to visit the various state parks across the country. Last winter, we spent several months in Florida, and thanks to an annual state park pass, we spent much of that time exploring the state parks. Guys, these parks are some of the best our family has found! 

Here are our favorites!

Homosassa Spring State Park 

This pretty park is a wonderful place to learn about Florida’s amazing animals. It was once a privately owned zoo-like tourist attraction that changed hands multiple times before becoming a state park in 1989. At that point, the park switched focus, providing habitats for injured and disabled animals native to Florida. The exception? Lu, the beloved hippo, is not a Florida native but still calls the park home.  

I absolutely loved the manatee talk offered at this park and highly recommend arriving in time to hear it. It was the perfect addition to our road schooling day, and our whole family learned some new things about these magnificent creatures.  

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park 

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is another privately owned attraction later bought by the Florida State Park System. This one features super fun mermaid shows performed within the spring itself. An underwater viewing theater allows guests to watch the mermaids as they swim and dance in the spring.  

We visited this park with friends. The kids in our group appreciated the mermaid show, and my youngest loved the mermaid meet-and-greet. As a road school mama, I thought the ranger’s talk about reptiles was an excellent addition, and the whole group had fun on the boat tour. 

Note: This park is also home to a small water park. Unfortunately, this part wasn’t open when we visited, but it looked worth checking out, mainly if you see it in the summer.  

Honeymoon Island State Park 

Unfortunately, much of our winter time on the west coast of Florida was chilly. Nevertheless, we loved visiting Honeymoon Island State Park and even went multiple times to see as much as possible.  

Of course, the beach here is absolutely gorgeous. Our four-year-old loved playing on these huge mounds of sand, and watching the sunset over the water was a treat. In addition to the beach, we enjoyed the playground and the many walking trails in the park. 

Our favorite part? We saw owls high up in the trees! 

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park 

Our final favorite state park is in the Florida Keys (actually, we liked a lot of the state parks in the Keys). Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park was probably our favorite place when we went to Key West. This park is home to an old fort with quite the story behind it. Wandering the fort and reading the signage are great additions to any roadschooling curriculum. 

After we explored the fort, we went to the beach area. This beach is a bit rocky, so I recommend water shoes, but on a calm day, there is decent snorkeling out by the big rocks in the water. Additionally, watching the cruise ships leave the port from the beach is pretty magical. 

Note: Other state parks in the Keys are also well worth visiting. Bahia Honda, Curry Hammock, and John Pennekamp are particularly excellent! 

If you plan on heading to Florida at any point in your RV travels, I 100% recommend visiting these state parks and any others you may come across. If you will be in the state for a while, the annual state park pass is definitely a worthwhile purchase, but even if you pay to visit a few spots individually, these parks offer incredible value.  

Which one will you check out first? 

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the fantastic opportunity to participate in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area to visit the Disney parks. Still, they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

James O. ~ “All the agents were very friendly and followed up with phone calls to check the service provider’s arrival. This is our third request regarding our coverage, and we have been very pleased with the service!!”

Slide-Out Maintenance

06 Monday May 2024

Posted by in RV Information, Tech Tips, Tips & Tricks

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One of the challenges of writing any technical content for RVers is being able to provide information that is specific to the individual type of RV one has. Since there have been over 100 different RV companies over the years and even more models within those individual companies, it becomes difficult to provide information on every individual scenario without being too generic or too specific to one type which means the information does not pertain to a wide majority.

And so it is with slide room maintenance.  Slide rooms were introduced in travel trailers and 5th Wheels as far back as the 1970s and the “Power Slide” was invented and introduced in 1990 by Newmar.  Most other companies joined the slide-out craze a few years later with a variety of new mechanisms such as HWH, Power Gear, and others.  Since then there have been both hydraulic and electric mechanisms from companies such as Kwikee, RBW Industries, and more recently, Lippert Components Inc (LCI) which has purchased Power Gear, Kwikee, BAL Accu-Slide, and others.

Hydraulic Mechanisms

Typically a hydraulic slide-out mechanism uses a pump that that is often shared with the hydraulic leveling jacks if equipped.  It has a fluid reservoir and pumps the fluid through the lines and cylinders to move the room in and out. There is little maintenance required of the pump other than making sure the fluid level is checked and topped off with the recommended hydraulic fluid.

The actual mechanisms vary between manufacturers, HWH uses two telescoping rams with a synchronizing rod.  HWH recommends periodically cleaning the rams with WD 40 and wiping off the excess. They also recommend extending and retracting the room twice a month to keep the seals lubricated.  One note: run the room all the way to the extended and retracted position, do not stop part-way!

Lippert Components Inc (LCI) uses an inner and outer assembly with a drive tube.  They also recommend extending and retracting the room twice a month to keep the seals lubricated and to visually inspect all components for debris, dirt buildup, and bent parts.  If you experience a squeaking noise during operation apply a coat of lightweight oil and wipe off the excess and DO NOT USE GREASE!

Several manufacturers have used the RWB Industries motor (owned by Dexter) and a proprietary gear-driven mechanism such as Newmar, National RV, and others.  Since there are so many different mechanisms used, it’s a safe bet to run the unit a couple of times a year, visually inspect the components, and verify what lubricant your manufacturer recommends to clean and lubricate the gears and arms.

Electric Mechanism

Smaller, lightweight rooms use a more inexpensive electric motor, especially models that do not have hydraulic leveling jacks that could utilize the jack motor.  Once again there are several options such as the cable slides (BAL Acu-slide), Schwintek with small motors in the sidewall and a gear-driven track, or a standard mechanism with an electric motor.

The electric motor requires no maintenance other than having 12-volt power to the unit.  The cable systems do require a periodic visual inspection to make sure the cable is not sagging, loose, or frayed.

 Cable Slideout

Cable Slideout

It is also a good idea to visually inspect all components for debris or obstructions and clean out any tracks with fluid film, a spray product available at O’Reilly Auto Parts.  This is a rust inhibitor and will not damage rubber seals.  Make sure to wipe off any excess spray.

Schwintek

Schwintek Slideout

The Schwintek slideout mechanism can develop a grinding or squeaking noise and it is recommended to spray CRC Power Lube with PTFE on the rails as well as the gibbs and motor coupler.  These can be found by pulling back the rubber seal outside at the rails.

In-Wall Slide-Out

Slide Room and Seal Maintenance

Most slide rooms or the “Box” are fairly similar, the outer wall cut out of or built from the same material as the sidewall, laminated side/top/bottom panels.  These do not require much maintenance other than making sure there is no debris on the top of the slide room when you bring it back in!  Some manufacturers have an awning over the slide room to keep sticks and other debris from falling on the top which would tear the bulb seal during retraction.  If you do not have an awning cover, you need to clean off the top every time you retract the room!

Slide Out Maintenance

LEVEL THE COACH BEFORE RETRACTING THE SLIDE!  I’m amazed at how many companies do not have this as a standard operating procedure?  RV chassis are not rock solid, they will bend and twist in an unlevel situation which causes the sidewall to twist which creates additional pressure or binding as the square box is trying to go out of an unsquared opening.

All slideout rooms have a weather strip or seal around the opening of the sidewall.  Some use a two-part rubber gasket or seal applied both inside the rig and outside.  Others use a two-sided bulb seal that is applied to the flange of the sidewall.  In either case, it’s a good idea to condition the seal with an approved product such as the ProtectAll SlideOut Rubber Seal Treatment or ProtectAll All Surface Care.

Slide-Out Lubricant

Both products have UV protection that will help keep the rubber seal from weather checking and reduce friction.

Visually inspect the underside of the slide room both inside and out.  Look for obstructions or any signs of wear and tear.  Most use a roller or glide underneath, make sure there is no damage to the mechanism or the floor.

And finally, make sure you look for items around the side of the room inside such as lawn chairs or other items that might have been placed or stored when packing up the camper.  You can not believe what a mess a boxed wine container makes when the room is extended!

About the author:

Dave Solberg: Managing Editor, RV Repair Club

For the last 25 years, Dave has conducted RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles, authored an RV handbook reference guide and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.

RV Repair Club

RV Repair Club is your go-to online resource for enthusiasts who want quality RV maintenance, repair, and upgrade information – a community where passionate RVers can come together to gather knowledge and share their experiences.

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

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Red White & Bethune: The “American Dream”

09 Thursday Sep 2021

Posted by in The Great Outdoors

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Meet the Bethunes, a true “American dream” family who had it all, or so they thought. They sold everything, bought a bus, and are now living their true dream life all across the country! Check them out!

When we were growing up, we were sold the same “American Dream” as you probably were. You know the one? Where you work all the time to try to afford the big house, newest car, white picket fence, and a Golden Retriever. All the while you are working very hard every day at a job you hate so that you can pay for your “dream”.

Two years ago, that was us. We had a successful Pet Styling Spaw, our kids were getting a private school education, and we had our “dream home” on two acres of land in the Tampa Bay Area. From the outside, it looked like we had the PERFECT life, but in all reality, we were just burning the candle at both ends to trying to do it ALL.

Every summer, we would take a month-long trip in our RV to a different destination. This summer was no different, we had an AMAZING time with our 3 kids, laughing and making irreplaceable memories all summer. When we pulled into our driveway with our Monaco Windsor Class A, we were already dreading going back to “reality”.

 As I was loading my arms up with a basket of dirty laundry, my husband Kyle turned to me and uttered a question that would change the trajectory of our lives, forever. “Babe”, he whispered, “What if we sold everything, the house, the salon, all of our crap, and we bought a bus, remodeled it, and traveled the country?”

 A look of terror instantly came over my face as his question ended. My brain was frantically buzzing and about to short circuit. What in the world was he thinking!? We couldn’t possibly do that. You aren’t allowed to do that until your kids are grown and you retire. It’s totally out of the question. No. No way can we do this. 

I looked down at my expectant husband and I calmly answered “Babe, you know we can’t do that, it’s just not possible.” I kissed him on the forehead and sullenly went back to loading all our massive amount of laundry back into our “dream home”.

For the next two weeks, as I was shaving dog’s backsides, I kept dreaming each day of that beautiful life where we are at the Grand Canyon watching our kids laugh, play, and be free. I saw all our oversized smiles as we lived in the outdoors, experiencing new places, journeying wherever we wanted. THAT was a dream life, I thought.

On that 14th day of daydreaming, after work, tired and covered in dog hair, I walked up to my husband, and I gushed “Let’s do it.” He had an extremely puzzled look on his face as he questioned, “Uh, do what?”. In that moment a massive grin spread across my lips and up into my eyes as I stated, “Buy a bus, remodel it, sell our house, get rid of all the crap, and live a life of our dreams, traveling across the country.”

And the rest, my friends, is history. 

We bought a bus, spent 4 months remodeling the ENTIRE thing, front to back. We sold our house, getting rid of all the excess material possessions we truly didn’t need. Then, we moved into our TRUE dream home, a 1983 Silver Eagle Bus. 

We have been in that bus for nearly a year and a half now and I have to say, this was the single most important decision of our entire lives. Fulltime with our 3 kids and 4 dogs has truly SAVED our family.  Our marriage has never been stronger, the relationship with our kids has never been this connected, and we can finally say that we are totally happy, 100% to our core.

When we look back, we wonder what took us so long to take this leap. I suspect it was that society told us what was expected of us, we were supposed to live a certain way. We were told that you grow up, get married, buy a house you can’t afford, make sure you have new cars, don’t forget the white picket fence, have kids, send them to school, get the Golden Retriever, and never have family dinners around the table because you’re working too hard to pay for all the things that are supposed to make you happy….

We are incredibly thankful that we created this new dream life of ours. To us, THIS is what life is all about. Now, we disconnect from technology to truly connect with each other. Our kids are experiencing places that some adults will never get the opportunity to see. We get to meet new people, from all walks of life, right here in the USA. Our kids can BE KIDS and live outside. They get as dirty as possible, go fishing, hiking, and learn about this beautiful country we live in. More importantly, we are raising kind humans that have love for everyone and nature. 

As you can imagine, after we have curated this beautiful dream life of ours, we want to make sure that we protect it. The only one we trust with our little family is Coach-Net. No matter what this new life brings us, we have the peace of mind knowing that they are by our side. Whether that be from roadside assistance, having a RV problem and being able to speak with their RV Specialists, or having the most important tire and wheel protection. We feel safe and secure, Coach-Net will be there for us, no matter what we come across in our travels. 

Coach-Net isn’t just for Full Time RVers, it is for weekenders too! Being a weekend camper, you may not be as hands on with your rigs as the full time RVers are. This means that unexpected things are bound to come up when you take your RV out to go camping. Make sure that you have that protection behind you, so you can sit back and relax once you get to your camping spot. Coach-Net even has protection for towables in addition to your daily driver.

Want to know our only regret though? That we didn’t start this amazing life sooner. Don’t have any regrets of your own, live a life you WANT to wake up to and make sure to bring Coach-Net with you along the way!

About The Author: The Bethune’s

We are a Tampa-based family of 2 adults, 3 kids, and 4 dogs living in our remodeled 1983 Silver Eagle Bus! We are a Full-Time Family who is always up for an adventure.

Tag along as we show you America, through our lens!

Tune in and get to know us—we’re just an average American family!

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Willie D. ~ “We LOVE Coach-Net!”

5 Unforgettable RV Trips in Iowa

04 Wednesday Aug 2021

Posted by in The Great Outdoors

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Iowa sits in “Heartland America,” sandwiched between the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. A landscape of rolling plains, golden cornfields, and quaint Main Streets, Iowa is rich in culture, history, and activity. It’s waiting to be discovered and explored, cherished and memorialized in selfies. Load the family in the RV and turn the wheel towards the Midwest. It’s time to make some memories in the Hawkeye State.

Get Wet and Wild at Iowa Great Lakes

Iowa Great Lakes are a chain of five glacial lakes in northwest Iowa. This oasis is truly a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Open year-round, folks, young and young-at-heart, can enjoy every type of water sport and pastime imaginable, from sailing to ice fishing. 

Enjoy parasailing, sailing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and going on a glass-bottom boat tour in the spring and summer. In the winter, snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and hunting are on the agenda. Marinas and outfitters offer rentals and guide services.

Besides fun at the lake, visitors can play all day at Arnolds Park Amusement Park or Boji Splash Indoor Waterpark, tour museums, choose from a variety of delicious restaurants, shop till they drop, and much more. Plus, you won’t find any shortage in RV parks. There are easily a dozen campgrounds surrounding the lakes.

Travel Back in Time in the Amana Colonies

The seven villages that make up the Amana Colonies were established in 1856 in Eastern Iowa by German Pietists escaping religious persecution. Utilizing craft and farming skills learned overseas, the settlers maintained a nearly complete self-sufficient economy for almost a century. These specialty trades were passed down from one generation to the next.  

Today, the Amana Colonies have become a tourist destination, offering delicious German cuisine, arts and crafts, handcrafted furniture, and outdoor recreation. Seasonal events and activities are planned throughout the year. Festivals like Maifest, Wurst Festival, and Oktoberfest include food, great brews, live music, kids’ activities, contests, and so much more.

Besides hotels and bed and breakfasts, visitors can stay at the Amana RV Park. But it’s a good idea to check the Amana Colonies website beforehand to plan your RV trip around one of the annual festivals.

Venture Underground at Maquoketa Caves State Park

If you’ve had enough of the hot, humid summer weather above ground, try venturing below the surface in Iowa’s best caves.  Maquoketa Caves State Park consists of about 13 caves that visitors can walk or crawl through (for those serious spelunkers). A 6-mile trail winds through the park and showcases its most profound features, including enormous bluffs, geologic formations, forests, and scenic overlooks.

For more in-depth information on the geology of the cave formations and state park establishment, visitors can take a trip to the interpretive center. Best of all, everything can be accessed steps from your RV if you opt to camp at the park’s newly upgraded campground.

Explore the Charming Town of Winterset

What do covered bridges, John Wayne, and apple cider have in common? Winterset, Iowa, of course.

Winterset is the county seat of Madison County, also referred to as the “Covered Bridge Capital of Iowa.” What was once 20 covered bridges peppered in and around Winterset is now a mere six. These remaining historical structures collectively share the same name as the romance novel and movie adaptation, Bridges of Madison County.  They can all be explored while driving along the 82-mile Covered Bridges Scenic Byway. Plus, a great time to visit Winterset is in October, when the annual Covered Bridge Festival is celebrated.

Culter-Donahoe Covered Bridge, one of the covered bridges, sits in the historic Winterset City Park, which is right next to the Winterset City Park Campground. Located just minutes from downtown, RVers will want to set up camp here while they tour the town. 

Winterset’s town square is full of historical buildings and novelty shops, and eateries. The Madison County Courthouse stands sentinel in the center of the square. Folks will also find the John Wayne Birthplace Museum, the only museum in the world dedicated to the legend, nearby. The massive establishment houses “the largest diversified exhibit of John Wayne artifacts in existence, including original movie posters, film wardrobe, scripts, contracts, letters, artwork and sculpture, and even one of his last customized automobiles.”

Need a break from sightseeing? Head on over to the Winterset Cidery for a flight of craft cider concoctions. Sit out on the open deck overlooking the endless apple orchard and soak in a bit of the Heartland’s sunshine.

Fill up at the World’s Largest Truck Stop

Truck stops are essential for all drivers, RVers included. It’s where travelers fuel up and grab a bite to eat. It’s even better when a truck stop has even more conveniences like restaurants, laundry facilities, and a section for RVs to park and stay overnight if needed. While there are many of these travel centers around the nation, none compare to Iowa 80, dubbed the “World’s Largest Truck Stop.”

“Some say Iowa 80 Truckstop is like a small city, others have likened it to a Trucker’s Disneyland, all can agree it is a place not to be missed.” The website goes on to explain, “Iowa 80 Truckstop features eight restaurant choices, a convenience store, gift store, Super Truck Showroom, barbershop, chiropractor, dentist, movie theater, workout room, laundry facilities, gas islands, diesel fuel center, truck service center, Truckomat truck wash, Dogomat pet wash, CAT Scale, 24- private showers, trucking museum and more!”

Be Sure You are RV Road Ready Before Departing

There is a certain amount of preparation that goes into making your RV ready for any trip. While you are checking off your list of to-do’s, be sure to add “signing up for Coach-Net Roadside Assistance” if you haven’t already done so.  Coach-Net is your safety net for all of your RV adventures. Learn more here.

“As an RV owner, you owe it to yourself to have the protection you need when you need it most. You can rest easy knowing that Coach-Net has you covered.”

About The Author: Levi Henley

Levi Henley and his wife, Natalie, have been full-time RVers for over 5 years. They have also been Coach-Net customers for the same amount of time.  They travel and workcamp around the U.S. in their 26-foot Itasca Sunstar motorhome with their two cats.  They write for multiple RV-related publications and recently co-wrote “Seasonal Workamping for a Living: How We Did It.” You can follow their adventures on the road at henleyshappytrails.com 

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Mike S. ~ “I am very pleased I chose Coach-Net! When I needed you, you were there for me!”

10 Essentials in an RV Emergency Kit

21 Wednesday Oct 2020

Posted by in RV Safety

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Image from caradvise.com

As much as we’d like to believe that when we take off in our RV, we leave our troubles behind for some much-needed rest and relaxation, this is not always the case. Murphy’s Law does not exist outside the realm of RV life. It actually enjoys jumping out at the most unexpected moments and usually on holiday weekends when repair shops are closed.

When it comes to RVing, make sure to have not only a Plan B but have tools at the ready to execute it. This means packing items other than camping comforts and preparing for uncomfortable, unexpected mishaps. Don’t head out on the open road without including these essential items in your RV emergency kit. This list is in addition to a previous article we have entitled, “Building the Best Roadside Emergency Kit.”

 

Reflective Vest

Reflective Vest

Image from workglovesdepot.com.

The fluorescent colors and reflective strips on safety vests allow the wearer to be seen by passing motorists and any emergency vehicles that may be on their way to assist.  They are not only visible at night, but they can easily be spotted during the day.  Wearing reflective vests helps reduce the chances of injury or a fatality on the road.

Tire Changing Kit

Tire Changing Kit

Image from Airstream Life Store.

The three primary tools needed when changing a flat tire, whether it is on your tow vehicle or RV, include a jack, lug wrench, and spare tire. The jack’s purpose is to lift the flat tire off the ground and stabilize the vehicle as the tire is being changed. The lug wrench is used to loosen the lug nuts so the tire can be removed. The spare tire is meant to be used temporarily, a reliable means to get to a service facility.

The tools utilized should be able to be heavy-duty and durable, enough to meet or exceed the weight capacity of the vehicles. According to RV Care, Canada’s largest RV dealer network, if you need to change a tire on a towable RV, “We recommend bottle jacks for this job as they are relatively inexpensive and compact. Be sure to select one with the proper weight rating for your RV.” They suggest using a tire changing wheel cock for larger RVs. “ If your fully-loaded, triple axle, 45’ trailer gets a flat tire, jacking that weight can be a real challenge! With a tire changing wheel chock, all you need to do is place the small end of the chock under the closest good tire and drive up, and you’re ready to change the tire.”

If changing a tire on a large RV is not your strong suit, having a reliable roadside service like Coach-Net is always a good addition to any tire changing kit. Coach-Net’s Hazard Protection is an upgrade to your roadside assistance plan.  This tire and wheel protection program includes tire repair and replacement at no additional cost to you.  The cost of tires, mounting, valve systems, balancing, sales tax, and labor charges are all taken care of by Coach-Net.

Solar-Powered Phone Charger

Solar Powered Phone Charger

Image from Forbes.

Many people like taking their RV into the wilderness, away from developed campgrounds and services. Unfortunately, some RVers have found themselves in predicaments where they have run out of gas, or their vehicle/RV battery has died. In these cases, having a solar-powered charger can keep the one item you can use to call for help charged up.

Most solar-powered chargers will power your phone while it is charging in the sun. This allows you to keep a constant charge on your phone. When deciding on a solar-powered charger, make sure that it is powerful enough to charge your phone. Anything rated over 7 watts is adequate. This may mean a more expensive charger, but purchasing a cheaper device could equal longer charging times.

Lithium Jump Starter

Lithium Battery Starter

Image by Midstate Battery.

When a car/RV battery dies, it’s always convenient when there is another vehicle around the corner to help. However, what if this isn’t the case, and you are boondocking miles from the closest town? A lithium jump starter takes the place of a rescue vehicle because it is the help.

Lithium jump starters are relatively compact. They can be small enough to fit in your glove compartment or as big as a small suitcase. Don’t let its size fool you. Within seconds, starters like the NOCO Boost HD GB150 4000 Amp 12-Volt Ultra Safe Portable Lithium Car Battery Jump Starter can power up a dead battery in a vehicle with up to a 10 L gasoline or diesel engine. A jump starter can come with many bells and whistles like built-in USB ports to charge other devices, an air compressor to inflate tires, and a high-powered light for night repairs.

 

Road Map

Road Map

Image from PAMAGIC.

Cell service is not always the most reliable when you are traveling around the country.  Some travel apps offer the option to download area maps to refer to if you do lose service at any point. But if your technology dies and you are in an area with no cell service, it’s time to pull out those trusty maps.  These include updated road atlases and even topographic maps if you are boondocking off-the-grid.

Analog Compass

Analog Compass

Image from 123RF.

Aside from bringing your GPS technology, Gander RV and Outdoors recommends packing maps and an analog compass as a back-up. They note, “If you happen to be in cold weather, you might find that your GPS or other electronic devices don’t work properly. While being careful of where you store them can help, it’s still a limitation maps and compasses just don’t have.”

The company also mentions that it’s not enough to own an analog compass. You need to know how to use it in conjunction with a topo map. For novice users, they recommend first learning the difference between magnetic north and true north.

Toolkit

Tool Kit

Image from Survival Dispatch.

RV Emergency Toolbox

Your emergency toolkit should have items that will help repair most areas of your RV. Heavy repair work is not the intention. The tools should be used to fix just enough to allow you to get to a nearby service center. The following inventory, compiled by Parked in Paradise, lists maintenance and repair tools to pack in your kit.

Fire Extinguisher

Fire Extinguisher

Image from Seton.

Fire extinguishers differ in their size and type.  The extinguisher will be labeled with the kinds of fires it is designed to put out as well as what types of fires it must not be used to extinguish. RV fire extinguishers can be labeled with a combination of Class A, B, and C ratings. The following photo explains each rating.

Fire Extinguisher Ratings

Image from normacomm.com.

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) requires that RVs must store a B: C rated fire extinguisher by the exit. However, it is a good idea to keep multiple units in your RV, more specifically in the kitchen area, bedroom, and in an unlocked outside compartment.

Extra Fuel Canister

Gas Can

Image from Rent Duck.

Running out of fuel is more of an annoyance than an emergency. However, if you are on the shoulder of a busy highway or miles from civilization with no cell service, your predicament can quickly turn into an emergency. Having a full fuel canister or two always does the trick to get you that few miles to a station to fill up and continue on your journey.

Here are a few tips for safely storing fuel cans on the go.  First, make sure to store the gas or diesel fuel in its proper container (red can for gasoline and yellow can for diesel).  Make sure the container is sealed completely, in a secure area to prevent tipping, and keep it in a well-ventilated area, not inside any vehicle or RV. As a bonus, use no-spill cans to make pouring mess-free.

Digital Copy of Important Documents

Digital Documents

Image from WTOP.com.

Emergencies of any proportion usually do not allow much time to gather everything we want to take.  In a pinch, we’ll usually grab what is closest to us, and that is most likely our phone.  Before embarking on an RV adventure, make it a point to gather all of your important paperwork and take pictures or scan copies of them. Hopefully, you’ll never have the need to pull them out in the event of an emergency, but if that is the case, you’ll have all of your information (as well as information of each member of your traveling crew) easily accessible.

Documents to record on your device include driver’s license, auto insurance, registration, and license plates.  Take it a step further and scan copies of prescriptions, health insurance cards, a list of doctors, and emergency contacts.

Bonus: A Priceless Essential in your RV Emergency Kit

Every RVer should have a quality, reliable roadside assistance plan like those offered through Coach-Net.  As a Coach-Net member, you can request roadside assistance 24/7, and you will be sure to get help as soon as possible.  We are here to improve your RV experience one adventure at a time. Visit us at coach-net.com to learn more about membership options or to renew your plan.

About The Author: Levi Henley

Levi Henley and his wife, Natalie, have been full-time RVers for over 5 years. They have also been Coach-Net customers for the same amount of time.  They travel and workcamp around the U.S. in their 26-foot Itasca Sunstar motorhome with their two cats.  They write for multiple RV-related publications and recently co-wrote “Seasonal Workamping for a Living: How We Did It.” You can follow their adventures on the road at henleyshappytrails.com 

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Ralph W. ~ “Thank god for Coach-Net! Your RV techs immediately helped us with our first power outage and low house battery issue after hours. Their level of knowledge and expertise easily walked us through the steps to resolve our situation. With all the different RV’s out there, the techs seemed to specifically know ours inside and out. Thanks, Coach-Net!!!” 

5 Super Easy RV Upgrades

28 Thursday May 2020

Posted by in RV Information, Tips & Tricks

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5 Easy RV UpgradesCamping season is officially upon us. This means you’ve probably pulled your rig out of storage and gotten it all spruced up and ready to hit the road. Maybe you resealed it, and you likely did a nice cleaning too. However, in some cases, this just doesn’t seem like enough. This is because sometimes an RV upgrade is in order.

Unfortunately, in many cases, RV upgrades mean a lot of time, money, and effort. Don’t worry though! If you’re feeling like your RV needs some upgrades but don’t want to put in a ton of effort or time before your next camping trip, there are options.

Below are some of my favorite quick and easy upgrades that make a huge difference without a huge investment of time or energy.

Kitchen Backsplash

Have you ever noticed that RV kitchens don’t include a backsplash? This is probably due in part to cost, but also to save on weight. That said, if you’d like to have a backsplash, you can definitely have one. Moreover, it doesn’t have to cost a lot, or add much weight at all, or even require a bunch of work.

RV Backsplash

To create a super simple DIY RV kitchen backsplash, simply invest in a set of the peel-and-stick tiles sold in most hardware stores. Peel them, stick them to the wall behind your sink and stove, and voilà, you have a good looking backsplash that cleans off nicely.

Improved Showerhead

There’s no denying the fact that stock RV shower heads are pretty terrible. They don’t give even water pressure, they often twist in odd directions, and they tend to use way too much water, meaning you run out of hot water—or water in general, if you’re using your fresh water tank—before your shower ends.

RV Shower Head

To fix this issue, just change out the showerhead. I highly recommend the Oxygenics RV shower head, which gives awesome water pressure without using much water at all. It does this by incorporating air into the stream, making it feel stronger than it actually is.

Comfy Mattress

RV mattresses are another common complaint. Sure, they’re lightweight, but at what cost? Flimsy stock mattresses are thin and uncomfortable, and the fact that they’re usually sitting on nothing more than a piece of plywood doesn’t help matters.

Fortunately, it’s totally possible to change out your mattress.

RV Bed

Changing your RV mattress is as simple as measuring your current mattress, finding another mattress of the same size to go in its place, and switching the sleeping space out. If you can’t find one that is exactly the right size, getting something a couple of inches off usually isn’t a problem. If you go with a foam mattress, you can also choose to cut it to size.

I should note that getting a mattress of any size through an RV door can be difficult. For this reason, you may want to purchase a rolled foam mattress and open it inside the rig.

New Shades

Most new RVs come equipped with awesome pull-down “day and night” shades. If you have these window coverings, keep them. This is not something you want to change.

That said, those with older rigs may not have such luxuries. These individuals often find that the blinds that came in their campers are less than adequate, or simply falling apart. This is where replacement shades come into play.

RV Shades

Pretty much any shades will do the job just fine. That said, my family really likes these shades from IKEA. They pull up and down incredibly easily, come in numerous sizes—making it easy to find a shade for every RV window, even the small ones—and are very lightweight. I also found them super easy to hang up, and they didn’t tear up our walls at all.

Cabinet Shelves

The final item on my list of super helpful yet simple RV upgrades is cabinet shelves. Far too many RVs don’t come with shelves in the cabinets. This makes organizing difficult and finding anything even more so. Why not add some shelves and save yourself a bit of frustration?

RV Cabinet Shelves

Shelves such as these are perfect. You can buy as many or as few as you need, and they can even be stacked. You might also consider a lazy Susan if you happen to have a very deep cabinet.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

RV ProtectDonail W.~ “I’ve been with Coach-Net over 5 years now and you have never let me down. Your service is excellent.”